Ondo Assembly condemns killings at AAUA, demands urgent security intervention
By Awodeyi Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the recent spate of killings involving students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), describing the incidents as unfortunate, tragic, and a serious threat to peace. and education in the state.
The House made its position known during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji, following a motion of urgent public importance raised by Tope Agbulu, representing Akoko South West Constituency II.
In the resolution that followed and read by the Speaker,the lawmakers expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and the entire university community. They pledged their commitment to ensuring justice and improved security in Akungba and its environs.
The House called on the Commissioner of Police and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security to urgently intervene and take concrete steps to guarantee the safety of students and restore calm in the troubled community.
Earlier,while raising the motion, Agbulu recounted how within one week, three students—Abha John Friday and Okah Adrel Eloho, allegedly murdered by their landlord and his accomplices, and Joy Adeyemi, who was killed by her boyfriend,lost their lives in violent attacks.
He warned that the growing insecurity in Akungba-Akoko, previously seen as a peaceful academic town, now threatens the lives of students and could provoke wider unrest if not quickly addressed. He stressed that although the perpetrators may not represent the host community as a whole, their actions have badly damaged its reputation.
Agbulu urged the state government to initiate a full-scale investigation into the killings and ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of all suspects, including the one still at large.
He also recommended the establishment of a joint security task force involving the university and community leaders, regular patrols in student-populated areas, and the creation of a crisis response committee. He called for dialogue between stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence between students and indigenes.
Adding his voice to the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, emphasized the need for a government delegation to visit Akungba for an on-the-ground assessment. He also stressed the importance of public enlightenment among young people and parents, saying moral values and social responsibility must be taught at home to counter the rising tide of youth-involved crimes. He urged the lawmaker representing the area to lead sensitisation efforts within the community to address the growing negative image.
Other members of the Assembly echoed these concerns, urging the Ministry of Women Affairs to develop protective policies for students in higher institutions and calling on traditional rulers and community leaders to play active roles in preventing future attacks. The lawmakers concluded by insisting that the safety of students must now be a priority, calling for proactive measures to secure learning environments across the state.
Also,a bill for a Law to establish Ondo State coastal management agency has being committed to the house Committee on Transport and public utilities after scaling through second reading.
Debating on the bill sponsored by a lawmaker representing Irele Constituency, Primate Oluwatoyin Allen,the lawmaker explained that several states are rich in water resources that, if well-managed, could boost economic development. “The proposed agency would be responsible for clearing and dredging water routes to enable smooth transportation, fishing, and other commercial activities, while also enforcing rules to ensure order and safety”.
The lawmaker noted that the bill also includes provisions for security, such as setting up a coastal guard to combat piracy and monitor illegal immigrants. He raised concerns about increasing oil spillage from companies recently contracted by local governments and stressed that the agency would regulate such companies, helping to reduce pollution and increase state revenue through proper registration and oversight.
Allen added that the bill would create jobs, boost marine business, and formalise transport systems through registration of boats and operators. He urged fellow lawmakers to support the bill, saying it offers long-term benefits for economic growth, environmental protection, and youth empowerment in coastal communities across the country.
The Speaker decried the unchecked activities of oil companies in Nigeria’s coastal regions, exploiting local resources without contributing to infrastructure development. He noted that the absence of regulation has enabled these companies to operate with little accountability, harming both the environment and local livelihoods.
Supporting the bill, he described it as a “potential game changer” that would address environmental damage, security lapses, and illegal transport activities. He promised to ensure its quick passage to bring order and development to the affected communities.
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